Singer-songwriter and all-around entertainer Barry Manilow will be honored with Broadcast Music, Inc.'s prestigious Icon Award at the upcoming 65th annual BMI Pop Awards, held May 9 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif.
The BMI Pop Awards recognize the songwriters and publishers of the past year's most performed pop songs in the country. Hosting duties for the invitation-only ceremony fall to BMI president and CEO Mike O'Neill and vp of writer/publisher relations Barbara Cane.
"Barry Manilow is a visionary whose exceptional body of work has shaped the course of popular music for over five decades," said Cane in a statement. "He has left a lasting imprint on every aspect of music, influenced the careers of his contemporaries, and touched the lives of many with his unique gift of artistry. His musical brilliance defies genre expectations and I cannot think of a more deserving recipient."
The Brooklyn native has either written or co-written many of his biggest hits, including "Copacabana," "Could It Be Magic" and "I Made It Through the Rain." The ones he didn't write, like the No. 1s "Mandy" and "I Write the Songs," he produced. Other hits include the chart-topping "Looks Like We Made It," as well as "Can't Smile Without You" and "Ships." He's currently preparing for the release of his next studio album, This Is My Town, out April 21 on Verve.
Manilow will join the ranks of previous recipients including Sting, Stevie Nicks, Paul Simon, Carole King, John Fogerty, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Brian Wilson and Dolly Parton, among others.
